Wife Of Cop Killed By Drunk Driver Speaks Out On L.I.
LINDENHURST, N.Y. (CBS 2) -- The widow of a police officer killed by a drunk driver gave a heart-wrenching address on Long Island, sharing her emotions for the first time to hundreds of police officers on Long Island.
She's appeared publicly before – most recently at the sentencing of the drunk driver who killed her husband – but until now, Susan Ciano has never spoken of the devastation of becoming a hero cop's widow.
"I miss him terribly," she said. "He always said goodbye to me, always gave me a kiss."
At an emotional Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) ceremony honoring law enforcement, Suffolk County Police Officer Glen Ciano was remembered, reports CBS 2's Jennifer McLogan.
Officer Ciano was called to a medical emergency in Commack when his cruiser was broadsided by Jose Bourbon, who's currently serving one to four years in prison.
Susan Ciano's message was clear: laws must be strengthened, sentences stiffened, and loopholes closed.
Bourbon was a repeat drunk driver.
"No matter how many arrests are made and how many laws are enacted, drunk drivers seem to find a way," Ciano said.
Prosecutors, police and parents pledged to help MADD, and Susan Ciano is working to assist victims, mandate ignition locks and broaden the use of breathalyzers.
Despite her grief, Susan Ciano said one man's decision to drive drunk has changed her life into one of activism and education. She said her mission is to make it impossible for repeat drunk drivers to keep their licenses.
